CIHT Cymru Wales are excited to co-host this joint event for the International Women in Engineering Day 2023 with IStructE, ICE and CIOB.
International Women in Engineering day is an international awareness campaign to raise the profile of women within the engineering professions and to highlight the opportunities that STEM careers can offer. For 2023 the IStructE, ICE, CIOB & CIHT invite you to join them in an evening to hear from local professional women (Civil and Structural Engineers) on their career journey and their take on the future.
A Q&A session and networking opportunities to follow. Refreshments will be provided at 5.30pm prior to the start of the presentations at 6.00pm (times may change slightly due to parking charges at the university, and free alternatives nearby from 6pm).
Andria Gilmour
Andria currently leads the civil engineering and external hazards nuclear safety inspector team at the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). This role includes promoting and, where necessary, enforcing safety at facilities as diverse as Hinckley Point C, one of Europe’s largest construction sites, and the fleet of ageing Advanced Gas Cooled reactors, which are approaching the end of their operational lives. This role includes raising awareness and preparedness for the potential consequences of climate change, where she engages with both internationally recognised climate specialists and UK government.
Before joining ONR, Andria worked for several consultant engineering companies where, after becoming a chartered civil and structural engineer, she led teams of structural designers. Projects were mostly for UK public sector organisations in the healthcare, defence, water and power sectors. Her experience spans new build design, alterations and change of use, defect investigation and remediation, historic structures and demolition of major structures.
Millie Withers
Hello, I’m Millie. I am a BIM Technician / Apprentice Engineer with five years of experience working for Arup, Cardiff.
I began my career as an apprentice in the Building Structures BIM team and achieved my HNC in Civil Engineering with Coleg Gwent, continuing my studies with the University of South Wales, where I am currently studying a part-time masters degree in Civil Engineering (MEng). I have gained a variety of experience in design and production packages, working with teams across the globe using collaborative platforms, being mostly knowledgeable in Autodesk Revit.
The experience gained has enabled me to undertake both the BIM Technician and Engineering roles on projects. I have thoroughly enjoyed this new pathway leading to this currently unique role. I have had the opportunity to develop design calculations and then create my design in a 3D environment. In my experience, with the continued support of the apprenticeship system and companies, this role can be expanded across the industry. I aspire to further develop my engineering knowledge, understanding and experience, alongside the completion of my studies, to become a Chartered Civil Engineer.
Tara Sirati
As a Senior Geotechnical Engineer with Jacobs based in Cardiff, I have a master’s in civil engineering and have been involved with ICE since 2016. My role within the ICE committee has grown from a committee member to the chair of Early Career Network (EC) to current chair of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) committee.
During my time as chair of the G&S Committee (now Early Careers) I managed to strengthen our network with the local universities and grow the committee to more than double its size with presence from both students and graduates, holding numerous events and networking sessions.
As the chair of ICE (FIR) committee in Wales, I have been involved with organising sessions on important topics around inclusion and diversity such as deaf awareness, colour blindness and anti-racism awareness. My aim is to give my colleagues in the industry a platform to deepen their awareness and understanding of varying needs of their colleagues to help retain and grow the pool of talent within their respective companies. I am an advocate for mental health in my community and believe that Neurodiversity, mental health, or other challenges can easily be overcome with the right support.
Within Jacobs, I am working closely as a member of various Networks such as Prism (an LGBTQ+ network) and Women’s Newtok to help diversify our office and hold important discussions to make us more knowledgeable and therefore, more empathetic as colleagues.
I am also working closely with Engineers for Overseas Development (EFOD) to design and construct Faith School in Uganda, providing work and education for over 200 people.
Outside of work, I am the co-founder of Ardour Academy a non-for-profit organisation, working with the community and leading the way to intersectionality between the hearing and the deaf communities.
Ellie Thomas
I am a graduate engineer at Atkins in the highways team, working on a range of local transport and strategic highway projects in Wales. I recently graduated from the University of Bristol with a MEng in Civil Engineering.
I have experience in contracting and consulting and so far have worked on a range of highways, active travel and structures schemes.
I am the Chair of the ICE early careers committee in Wales. In this role, I am working with the rest of the team to promote and run events for early careers professionals, ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to learn and succeed in the engineering profession.
Alongside my role at Atkins, I also manage social value in Wales. This involves planning and coordinating volunteering opportunities for staff to provide community benefits in the regions we work in. This role has a significant impact on society and the future generation of engineers.
Claudia Currie
As a Transport Planner I have worked over many years for both public and private sector organisations mostly in the South-West and Wales. Currently I am a Senior Managing Consultant in Atkins’ Cardiff Office.
Throughout my work I have used my skills gained on a varied career path to define the issue and then find and develop the right solution for that right problem! This has been supplemented throughout with support from a number of kindred Institutions working in the highway sector for whom I have held various regional roles; including Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and nationally roles as Council, Board and Panel member.
I have audited and helped developed several training packages for those interested in Transport Planning for use in schools and in early career development. Alongside developing CTPP from a gem of an idea I had in 2006 having just gained Chartered Engineer status, leading to the professional recognition Transport Planners have today.
For further information, please contact regions@ciht.org.uk.
Got a question?
t: +44 (0)20 7336 1555
e: info@ciht.org.uk